Interview: Greenfog

Auckland-based post-rock drone outfit Greenfog have been delivering their hazy tones since 2012, when guitarist Elliot Lawless got jamming with drummer Rachel Elf after finding some musical common ground. Since then, the pair have inducted bassist Scott Kendall into the fold and evolved their sound further, to the point where they have an album in the works. They have also been busy playing live shows, having supported Earth earlier this year and they are on the bill for the Windhand and Beastwars Auckland show next week. In an attempt to demystify the trio before Saturday's show we caught up with Elliot for Seven Quick Questions...

Hi Greenfog! Can you please tell us a little bit about yourselves?

We’re three friends from Auckland who like playing music together. Our collective influences for the sound we have are currently Earth, My Bloody Valentine, Isis, Sleep, Dead Meadow and Yawning Man. As a result, we sit somewhere between drone, desert rock and shoegaze.

How did you come together to play music?

Rach and I met through another band and started jamming together just as a two-piece after we saw an especially inspiring performance from Earth. We recorded ourselves and that’s what you can hear on our demo Conerat on Bandcamp. Somewhere down the line we picked up Scott who I’ve known forever, and here we are.

What’s the creative process like between the three of you, where do songs usually come from?

We don't write any songs, they all come from jamming riffs that arise either during a practise, or someone might bring one to the table. We have tried to write “songs”, but it never feels right with us. Recording everything we do is essential, and if the vibes aren't right, it just won’t work. This means it’s not always up to us whether or not we play/practise well. But when it works it really works and we had better be recording it otherwise it might get lost in the Jamisphere.

How do you get into the right state of mind when playing really glacially-paced stuff like ‘Nine’…?

I guess that’s just something that comes from experience playing slower music as individual musicians. It’s as much about listening as it is about playing, having control of your breathing helps a bunch too. And a cheeky wendy never hurt anyone either…

It’s been a pretty good year for Greenfog so far. You've supported Earth, and got Windhand coming up, what support gig would be next on your wishlist?

Tough one, but either Aqua or Rod Stewart (and Sleep, cause they are GNARLY and Rach loves Matt Pike).

What’s one thing you would recommend as a “must do” for out-of-town bands coming to Auckland?

If they didn't stop in to Kelly Tarlton's I’d be very disappointed. Also Kebab Stop at the top of the Mt Eden village, best kebabs this side of the Huntly power station. Late night "karynyoke" at Lucha Lounge in New Market is another good’n.

What else have you got planned for the future?

We just got back from recording our first album in a friend's barn in Whanganui, so that release isn't too far away. We’d also like to tour.

Greenfog are playing with Windhand and Beastwars at Kings Arms Tavern in Auckland on Saturday 11th October. Head over here for details and to buy tickets.